Getting from Akakura to Seki

[BHB]

Hi. Finally here in Akakura - it is snowing and great outside. Have heard good things about Seki Onsen and hoping you may be able to advise on the best way to get there from Akakura Onsen. We would have 3 or 4 persons and 3 sets of skis. Also you mention that the village is traditional - would it be worth a non-skier going along just for the village atmosphere while the others ski? Thanks for all your earlier help.

[pikaski]

Kool BHB. Gld yr havin fun. 

1 - Taxi. 3 peeps in the back. 1 in da frnt. skis on top (thy hve carriers)
2. - nt 4 a whole day. sorry

[myokoguy]

Hi BHB. Hope the experience is turning out as good as you hoped.

I'm pretty much in sync with Pika's suggestions above. Seki is nice for an amble but probably a little boring for a whole day by one's self.

I would suggest they head up to Nagano City for the day and check out Zenkoji Temple. It's not difficult to find.

If they want to do some shopping for the day go to the Wing Market / Jusco area. Get a train to Takada. Then catch a No. 6 bus or taxi. Wing market and Jusco are about 15 minutes walk apart. Jusco is probably the best start then walk back to Wing Market if time. Alternatively catch the train to Kasugayama (one stop past Takada) then walk for about 20 minutes. Look for the arch bridge across the river - that will take you almost straight to Jusco.

Ask at the hotel if they have a courtesy bus that will take you to Seki or otherwise ask them to call you a taxi. The taxis all have ski-racks at this time of year so you'll all fit in one. Can't tell you the fare (sorry).  They will probably have to go back to the main road and back up again to SO.

You can get the train to Sekiyama (one stop from Myoko), then a bus (schedule here - http://www.marukei-g.com/busgroup/rosenzu/seki-tubame.pdf) but that would be more hassle than it's worth.

Good time to go. They have about 300cm base there at present 

[BHB]

Thanks for the info. We ended up not going to Seki as had plenty to keep us busy - a few days at Akakura Kanko, one at Suginohara and one at Ikentoria. The skiers enjoyed going to different areas, the variety of runs, good snow.....The non-skier (me) found plenty to do - Nagano, Joetsu (port, Sea of Japan and Jusco!), Takada, morning tea at the Akakura Kanko Hotel, onsens ..... We all had a great time - helped by your advice and the assistance of Amy from Myoko Tourism. Soon on our way home, thanks again.

[myokoguy]

You're welcome BHB. Glad you had a great time. Sorry the snow was not as good as this time last year.  Feel free to post up a journal/photos of your trip sometime and/or maybe some hints for others who may want to do the same kinds of things. 

Cheers, MG

[myokoguy]

Update:There will be a shuttle Tues, Wed, Thurs, between Akakura Onsen and Seki Onsen for 2009/10. The bus will leave the Akakura Bus Terminal at precisely 8.30am - so don't be late!   The shuttle returns from the Seki Onsen Ski Area parking lot at 4pm. The service will operate daily during the season and the cost will be 1,000 yen each way.

[smitty484]

GOod good good good. I will be making use of this!!